After stage thirteen in the Tour de France, Omer Goldstein is officially the first Israeli rider to make it into a breakaway.

During his unforgettable day in front, with two breakaway companions, the Israeli ITT champion took second place on a KOM and won an intermediate sprint.

Compliments all over the place

At the bus, Goldstein only received compliments, pats on the back, and high-fives. “I was warmly received at the bus,” a satisfied Goldstein smiled.

Rik Verbrugghe, Israel Start-Up Nation’s sports director called Goldstein ‘outstanding’ after the finish. “Omer showed a lot of courage and power today, after many hard stages this Tour.”

Combativity award

Goldstein knew it would only be a small chance that the break would make it to the finish on the flat parcours, with sprinters aiming to contest the victory. That’s why he started to attack early, in order to claim the combativity award.

That award would bring him to the top step of the Tour de France podium.

He and the French rider Pierre Latour attacked each other multiple times during a battle where their third breakaway companion was the third victim. After a few attacks from both, the two buried the hatchet and warmly shook each other’s hands, thanking one another for their long efforts in the break.

Late break takes the award

“I would have loved to wear the red bib numbers tomorrow,” Goldstein said after having spent 160 of the 220 kilometers in the front of the race. Unfortunately for the Israeli rider, the award was given to a French rider who joined the attack after Goldstein was caught.

The astonishing Goldstein did look back on a great day on the roads in France. “I enjoyed the fans alongside the road, the scenery, and the battle for the award.”

‘I am not done yet’

He’s keen on trying again in the next few days. “I tried multiple times this Tour already, but only today it properly worked out. I hope to be in a winning break next time I go for it.”

“I would like to give it another go in the race days that are left this Tour, however, I do need to recover after today’s efforts. My legs hurt, and I am happy when I can go and get my massage.”

‘A showcase of talent’

Cycling commentators and analysers tend to say it was one of the hardest first weeks in the modern history of the Tour de France, and Verbrugghe tends to agree with that.

Verbrugghe: “That Omer is able to showcase his talent during a stage like this, shows once again the Israeli riders are a core part of our team.”

ISN’s top finisher was André Greipel, who claimed eighth place in the mass sprint in Carcassonne.

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